Double-Engine Government’s Efforts Pay Off in Protecting Assam’s Iconic Rhinos
In a significant achievement for wildlife conservation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma proudly announced that rhino poaching in the state has dropped by a remarkable 86% since the BJP-led double-engine government came to power in 2016. This progress was highlighted on World Rhino Day, celebrated globally on September 22, to raise awareness about the critical need for rhino protection.
Chief Minister Sarma’s Commitment to Rhino Conservation
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media post on World Rhino Day, CM Sarma took to the platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude for the central government’s support. He stated, “Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister! Under your leadership, Assam’s rhinos are safer than ever. Since the double-engine government took charge in 2016, poaching has dropped by 86 per cent. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to promoting and preserving our living heritage.”
The Chief Minister also emphasized the symbolic importance of the one-horned rhino for the people of Assam, stating, “Rhinos are synonymous with the identity of Assam. They are our pride and the crown jewel of our biodiversity. Ever since we assumed office, we have taken various initiatives to protect the prized species, expand its habitat and ensure its safety.”
This commitment has been pivotal in turning the tide against poaching and increasing awareness about the need to preserve Assam’s rich wildlife heritage.
Kaziranga: A Success Story of Conservation Efforts
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros, has been at the forefront of Assam’s conservation efforts. In 2022, for the first time in nearly 45 years, not a single poaching incident was recorded in the park. This remarkable feat was attributed to enhanced vigilance by the state administration and coordinated efforts between the Forest and Police Departments.
The state government has also implemented several key initiatives to protect the rhino population, such as expanding their habitat and closely monitoring vulnerable areas. These collaborative efforts have helped ensure that poaching is curtailed, allowing Assam’s rhino population to thrive in a safer environment.
World Rhino Day: A Global Call for Rhino Protection
World Rhino Day is an annual event that serves as a platform to raise awareness about the five different species of rhinos across the globe. It provides an opportunity for governments, communities, wildlife conservation organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and concerned individuals to come together to discuss innovative strategies to combat poaching and prevent the extinction of critically endangered species.
Celebrated each year on September 22, World Rhino Day highlights the significant threats facing rhinos due to illegal poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. In Assam, the event took on special significance as the state celebrated its success in drastically reducing poaching rates.
The Pride of Assam: The One-Horned Rhino
The one-horned rhinoceros, or Indian rhinoceros, is an iconic species native to the Indian subcontinent, with Assam being its primary habitat. This majestic creature, the third-largest land animal after the elephant and white rhino, is not only a source of pride for Assam but also one of the rarest and most unusual mammals in the world.
With its distinctive single horn, this species plays a critical role in Assam’s biodiversity and serves as a symbol of the state’s rich natural heritage. Its protection has become a priority for the state government, which has consistently pushed for effective conservation policies and measures.
A New Era of Rhino Protection in Assam
The dramatic reduction in rhino poaching in Assam represents a significant success for wildlife conservation in the state. Under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and with support from the central government, Assam has become a model of effective conservation practices.
As the state continues to expand and enhance its conservation efforts, the future looks brighter for Assam’s rhinos, ensuring that this precious species continues to thrive for generations to come. On World Rhino Day, Assam reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the one-horned rhino, solidifying its place as a global leader in wildlife conservation.
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